Moving an aquarium requires more than just lifting a tank. At Lion Umzüge in Berlin, we plan carefully so that fish, plants and equipment arrive safely at the new location. Our approach protects delicate components and helps to restore the biological balance quickly.
Why a specialised aquarium move matters
Individual planning
Every aquarium has its own requirements: saltwater or freshwater, stocking density, technical equipment and capacity. In a conversation, we clarify any special features and draw up a moving strategy tailored to your tank.
Safe packing
We pack delicate components such as lighting, filters and heaters separately so that they are not damaged during transport. We handle decorations and live plants in such a way that they are ready to use immediately when the tank is set up again.
How your aquarium move works
- Preliminary on-site meeting to assess size, stocking and equipment.
- Preparation: targeted disconnection of devices and safe packing of individual components.
- Placing water, plants and – in consultation with you – the animals in suitable containers for transport.
- Gentle transport with all parts securely fastened in the vehicle.
- Setting up at the destination, reconnecting the equipment and controlled refilling.
- Final check and brief instructions on aftercare for your aquatic system.
Transport on site
Gentle handling is what counts during transport: we secure glass, frame and equipment against vibrations and ensure a stable position in the vehicle. This reduces stress for the animals and minimises the risk of damage.
Setup & water adjustment
When setting up again, we pay attention to temperature, filter operation and visible parameters as far as possible. Adjusting the water step by step helps the inhabitants return to a stable habitat.
Moving an aquarium: step by step
An aquarium is not a piece of furniture but a small ecosystem. Fish, plants, substrate and filter bacteria have to survive the move, and the tank itself must never be transported full. We take care of transporting the tank, cabinet and equipment. You relocate the animals yourself, together with us or with the support of a pet shop.
Preparation on your part
- Feed less for a few days beforehand so that the water stays clean
- On moving day, fill part of the aquarium water into clean canisters
- Put the fish into suitable transport bags or insulated boxes
- Keep plants moist in bags or buckets with aquarium water
- Keep the filter media wet so that the bacteria survive
- Empty the tank completely and transfer the substrate into buckets
What we take care of
We pad the empty tank and transport it upright. The cabinet, cover, lighting and equipment are packed separately. We carry large tanks with several people; above a certain size, we plan additional carriers. At the destination, we put the tank in its place – on a level surface with sufficient load-bearing capacity.
The right location
A filled aquarium is very heavy. Especially in Berlin pre-war buildings with timber-beam ceilings, a large tank should stand against a load-bearing wall. For very large set-ups, check with your landlord beforehand whether the floor is suitable.
Getting it running again
After setting it up, first fill in the old water and then add new, temperature-adjusted water. The filter and heater start running again, and the fish are slowly acclimatised to the water. Monitor the water parameters closely during the first few days.
Costs
The price depends on the size of the tank, the floors and the distance. As part of a complete move, the effort is often less than many people think. General information can be found under Moving Company Berlin Costs. For other special items, see also the pages Piano Transport Berlin and Furniture Transport Berlin.
Aquarium and home move: what happens when
If the aquarium is part of a complete move, the order matters. The tank should be one of the last items dismantled in the old flat and one of the first set up in the new one. This keeps the fish in their transport containers for as short a time as possible. We therefore plan the day so that the aquarium is loaded last and unloaded first at the destination.
Short distances are better
For moves within Berlin, the driving time is usually short enough to transport the fish safely in insulated containers. For longer distances, such as a long-distance move, you should discuss with a pet shop how the animals can best travel. Sometimes it makes sense to place sensitive species in temporary care.
What you should have ready yourself
- Clean canisters or buckets for aquarium water
- Transport bags or insulated boxes for the fish
- Buckets with lids for substrate and decorations
- Towels and mats to protect against water stains
- Water conditioner and test kit for the restart
Terrariums and small animal enclosures
We proceed in much the same way with terrariums: the animals travel in suitable transport containers, equipment and furnishings are packed individually, and we transport the glass enclosure empty, upright and padded. Talk to us if you have special set-ups.
Fish, plants, equipment: what matters when moving an aquarium
An aquarium is a small ecosystem. Water, bacteria in the filter, plants, substrate and animals form a balance that is disturbed by the move. Our aim is to keep this disturbance as short as possible. You know the biological side better than we do. That is why we work closely with you.
The tank: glass and weight
A tank containing water must never be moved, not even partially filled. The weight and movement of the water can damage the glued seams. We only transport empty tanks. If there is still substrate inside, it must be very shallow, otherwise the tank becomes too heavy and puts strain on the glass base plate. During transport, the tank stands level on a flat, padded surface and is secured against slipping.
Water and filter
Some of the old water can travel along in clean canisters to make the restart easier. You decide how much makes sense. The filter contains the bacteria that keep the water clean. It should not dry out or be without oxygen for long. Many aquarists transport the filter media in a bucket of aquarium water and reconnect the filter at the new location as quickly as possible.
The animals
Fish, shrimps and snails belong in fish transport bags or small containers with aquarium water. On longer journeys, insulated boxes help to keep the temperature stable. Do not feed the animals, or feed them only a little, for one to two days before the move; they will then put less strain on the water in the bag. It is best to transport the animals yourself in your car, not in the cargo area.
Plants and decorations
Aquatic plants stay moist if they are transported in bags or containers with a little aquarium water. We pack stones and roots separately so that they do not touch the glass. We wrap large roots in blankets.
Cabinet and equipment
The cabinet must stand exactly level at the new location. We align it with a spirit level before the tank is placed on it. We pack heaters, pumps, lighting and control units individually and labelled. Hoses and cables go into separate bags so that they are quickly to hand during setup.
Large and special tanks
Very large tanks, marine aquariums and set-ups with sumps require longer preparation. A survey is worthwhile here, during which we check the weight, dimensions and route through the building. With saltwater tanks, there are also live rock and corals, which react particularly sensitively to temperature and light. If the whole flat is moving, we combine the aquarium transport with your private move, so that the tank is the first thing in place at the new location and you can set up at your leisure.
The first days after the move
After the restart, the tank needs time. Watch the animals closely in the first few days, feed sparingly and check the water parameters more often than usual. If the filter has stayed moist and some of the old water has been reused, the tank usually stabilises more quickly. You can let the lighting run a little shorter at first so that plants and animals get used to their new surroundings.
Planning a move? We are happy to advise you.
Free on-site survey and a binding fixed-price quote – with no hidden costs.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How do you deal with very sensitive species?
We discuss the specific needs of your animals in advance. For sensitive species, we jointly decide on suitable transport containers, such as insulated boxes for a stable temperature, and plan routes that are as short and calm as possible.
Can the move be carried out so that the aquarium runs for a long time without major readjustment?
Through targeted preparation and gentle recommissioning of the equipment, we reduce the necessary follow-up work. However, minor adjustments often make sense to ensure biological stability.
What does an aquarium move in Berlin cost?
For an aquarium move, the size of the tank, stocking, equipment and floors are what count. A 100-litre tank is moved more quickly than a large marine tank with a cabinet. Based on your information, you will receive a fixed price. You can see what a move costs overall on the page Moving Company Berlin Costs.
What is included in an aquarium move with Lion Umzüge?
We agree with you when the water will be drained and the animals relocated, transport the tank, cabinet and equipment padded and set everything up at the destination. You carry out the relocation of the animals and the refilling yourself or together with us.
How soon can I get a date for an aquarium move?
For an aquarium move, you need preparation time, for example to safeguard the filter media and water. Allow two to four weeks of lead time so that we can plan the process together.
Can I combine several services with an aquarium move?
Yes. The aquarium usually moves together with the rest of your household, in which case a packing service and an assembly service make sense for the other furniture. We also offer house clearance and storage.
How are my belongings insured during an aquarium move?
For the tank, cabinet and equipment, we compensate for damage in accordance with the rules of the German Commercial Code (HGB) up to a limit of 620 euros per cubic metre of load volume. The animals themselves are not covered, which is why many aquarists transport them themselves.
Request an aquarium move in Berlin
Tell us the size of the tank, stocking, equipment and both addresses – via the form or on 030 612 964 73. After an assessment, you will receive a fixed price. On request, your moving company Berlin will take care of the rest of the move at the same time.
If you would like to put your aquarium move in experienced hands, we will create an individual solution tailored to your tank and your wishes. Contact Lion Umzüge in Berlin for a personal consultation and a carefully planned move.
